Dogs who attend daycare often have a lot of energy. This is due to both physical activity and socialization.
This can be a bit overwhelming for some dogs. They might have a hard time adjusting once they are home. They might feel overstimulated and restless. This could lead to behaviors like nonstop barking and hiding.
Physical Exertion
Dogs who attend daycare often get plenty of physical exercise. They run around, play with friends and use up a lot of energy. However, it is important to find the right balance of physical and mental exercise.
In addition, we know that dogs are more likely to exhibit behaviors they don't normally exhibit when they're tired. It's a little like teenage kids who are exhausted but don't have constructive ways to spend their time. They will find something to do that's destructive and it will drain their energy even more.
Unlike humans who sleep in one block, dogs are polyphasic sleepers and they will doze on and off throughout the day. This makes them more tired than they would be if they slept in one long block of time. They will also get a burst of energy when they see their human and this can be tiring too. This is why it's important for us to pay attention to their body language and cues and to provide them with breaks when they're showing signs of fatigue.
Mental Stimulation
Behavioral issues like excessive barking and chewing can stem from boredom and anxiety. Dogs need more than just physical exercise to get their minds engaged. Mental stimulation, such as obedience training or puzzle toys, gives them a purpose and channels their natural curiosity into something that benefits them, making them feel engaged. This prevents boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors.
Even if your dog gets plenty of physical exercise at daycare, they may still need some mental engagement to help them relax. Try incorporating a few minutes of obedience work with them at the end of each day or playing games like fetch or hide and seek. You can also use food puzzles or a scatter feed to give your dog a brain workout (especially good for dogs who tend to wolf down their food).
If you find that your dog is becoming less and less interested in attending daycare, consider whether they need more mental stimulation at home. Signs of this include spending more time by the door, displaying less tolerance of other dogs or seeming anxious as the day progresses.
Overstimulation
A dog at daycare will often get a lot of stimulation from other dogs, toys, and activities. Sometimes this can be too much for some dogs who become overstimulated. This can manifest as overexcitement, pacing or hiding, or aggression.
It is important that a facility has kennels or crates available for daycare dogs to go into during their break times or naps. It can be overwhelming for a dog to be running around constantly all day, especially if they are young or adolescent.
Dogs who regularly attend daycare can also build endurance to the daycare environment just like a person builds endurance to run a marathon. This can make them less affected by overstimulation, but some may still be a bit energized when they come home. Provide them with a calm and quiet space to rest, and consider calming activities at home, such as gentle petting or grooming. This can help them relax more after a day at the dog park.
Stress
A good day of socializing, learning and physical activity dog boarding weekly rates near me will naturally use up a dog’s energy. But if your dog seems lethargic after a day at daycare it’s important to evaluate why.
One possibility is they’re just overtired. They’ve used up all their mental energy processing all that new information and playing with so many dogs at once. They’ll need to slow down and rest at home for a few days.
Another possible reason for their lethargy could be that they’re stressed out. If your dog shows signs of stress, like yawning, turning their head away, acting fidgety or hiding behind you when you come back from work, it’s time to talk to a professional to find ways to desensitize them.
Dogs can also become lethargic if they’re feeling sick or have an upset stomach. Make sure your dog is up to date on their vaccinations and that they’re not suffering from any physical discomfort or injury.
